Louder Than Bombs (2001)

LOUDER THAN BOMBS is a fresh look at how a young couple struggles to jump-start their future. A young mechanic's father dies, and nearly on the same day, he finds out that his girlfriend will soon leave rural Poland to study in Chicago. She feels that this might be her only chance for a better life, and he is convinced that once she sees a brighter alternative, she will never return. Since he has just inherited the family garage, he feels a new sense of possibility, and a way to rewrite his destiny. He doesn't want to end up like his parents or like his friends and neighbors, and just maybe, his pop idols, James Dean and Morrissey, can provide the necessary inspiration. The film strikes the right balance between pathos, and outright farce, and each actor brings a natural and nuanced performance to this ensemble piece. The film won a Vision Award for Cinematography at the 2002 Slamdance Film Festival, and certainly captures the drab and dreary essence of the Polish heartland. LOUDER THAN BOMBS is a small film with a light touch, but well worth a look.